Challenging the VIP mindset

Several days ago, a road altercation in Quezon City made headlines and was also the subject of the Philippine STAR editorial. A video footage showed a driver of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) in a heated argument with a multicab driver.  The SUV driver emphasized he was driving a VIP, who turned out to be Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for special concerns Ricky Alfonso.

According to news accounts, the SUV was equipped with sirens, blinkers, and a protocol plate No. 10. This specific plate designation is reserved exclusively for justices of the Court of Appeals, the Court of Tax Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, and the Solicitor General based on regulations of the Land Transportation Authority (LTO). Alfonso, however, holds none of these positions.

During the confrontation, the SUV driver allegedly punched the multicab driver and claimed that cutting off a VIP vehicle like theirs was dangerous- even suggesting the other driver could have been shot.

The incident exposed a critical loophole in the use of protocol plates. While Alfonso was authorized to use one, the SUV involved was not officially registered for it. Despite being summoned by the LTO, Alfonso failed to appear. In response, LTO chief Markus Lacanilao recommended the revocation of the driver’s license and the impounding of the vehicle.

The controversy prompted the DOTr to take a decisive action and ordered the revocation of all protocol or low-numbered license plates issued to officials within the DOTr and its attached agencies.

According to Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, the move aims to stop the “indiscriminate and unwarranted use” of special license plates by government officials to evade traffic or avoid apprehension for violations.

This is a welcome development and  one that echoes the public’s growing demand to dismantle the entrenched VIP culture in the Philippines.

For far too long, public office has been mistakenly equated with privilege. But that notion I believe, is deeply ironic. Public officials are called to serve, not to be served. They are meant to stand with the people and not above them.

As the DOTr aptly stated in its memo, they are individuals who must “serve with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency,” and “lead modest lives”.

It’s time we challenge this VIP mindset and bring back the true meaning of public service – one that is rooted in humility, accountability and respect.

Public office, after all, is a public trust, and public servants must embody the values they are sworn to uphold. They must remember that the power they hold is not a badge of superiority but a symbol of responsibility to the people.

You see, power, when unchecked, can easily be used to intimidate- as shown in this incident, where a public official’s driver believed he could bend the rules and threaten others simply because of a title.

Unchecked privilege becomes entitlement. And when entitlement faces no consequences, abuse follows.

This is a moment to reflect and confront the normalization of “VIP” behavior of public officials in our country. Decorum, accountability, and humility should not be mere nice-to-haves in public office but should be necessities. It ensures that public service is rooted in humility, not pomposity.

And for us, the public, we must continue to be vigilant against abusive behavior of public officials. Let us continue to speak out against abuse of authority, call out corruption and demand better from those who take on the responsibility of public service.

Let this incident be more than just a headline, rather a turning point. Let us hold the line and hold those who did wrong accountable. And let us never forget- public service is a duty, not a privilege. May this be a reminder to everyone in government, from the highest ranks to the most junior staff: you serve the people, not lord over them.